KUALA LUMPUR (July 6): Bursa Malaysia Bhd (KL:BURSA) has obtained a maximum score of 5.0 under the FTSE4Good ESG benchmark thanks to its strong performance in the climate change theme.

The exchange operator is also the first Malaysian listed company to attain the highest score and join a select group of companies in the FTSE4Good universe, which assesses more than 12,000 companies globally.

In a statement, Bursa Malaysia said the achievement was attributed to its enhanced sustainability disclosures across environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, particularly in climate-related reporting aligned with internationally recognised standards such as IFRS S2.

“As the national exchange, we believe the standards we encourage across the market must first be reflected in our own practices,” said Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Fad’l Mohamed.

Launched in 2001, the FTSE4Good benchmark is used by FTSE Russell to evaluate corporations worldwide on their sustainability and responsible business practices.

The benchmark assessed firms based on a rules-based methodology and serves as a reference point for institutional investors seeking companies with strong ESG practices, while encouraging continuous improvement in sustainability performance and disclosures.

“Attaining the highest score in a globally recognised ESG benchmark such as the FTSE4Good ESG assessment is proof of our progress in strengthening ESG practices and disclosures,” Fad’l said.

Bursa Malaysia is committed to maintaining the standard that reinforces the importance of ESG reporting in helping investors understand the risks, opportunities and drivers of long-term value creation, he added.